The formations of Chinese aircraft carriers Liaoning and Shandong carry out a dual aircraft carrier formation exercise for the first time in the South China Sea in October 2024. The exercise was part of the Liaoning aircraft carrier formation's regular real-combat training in the high seas, which concluded recently. Photo: Xinhua News Agency

The formations of Chinese aircraft carriers Liaoning and Shandong carried out a dual aircraft carrier formation exercise for the first time in the South China Sea, according to the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy. Experts noted that a dual-carrier group's combat capability extends beyond the mere addition of two carriers, and they can conduct more diversified and more complex missions.

Aiming to enhance the integrated combat capability of the aircraft carrier formations, the exercise was part of the Liaoning aircraft carrier formation's regular real-combat training in the high seas, which concluded recently.

The training was conducted in waters including the Yellow Sea, the East China Sea and the South China Sea, featuring multiple subjects under real-combat circumstances, the navy said.

The Xinhua News Agency said that the mission spanned across the Mid-Autumn Festival and the National Day holidays.

The aircraft carriers Liaoning and Shandong of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy hold their first dual-carrier formation exercise in the South China Sea in October 2024. Photo: Xinhua News Agency

Photos released by the PLA Navy show that the dual-carrier group, in addition to the two aircraft carriers, included at least 11 escort vessels, comprising destroyers, frigates, and replenishment ships. Multiple J-15 carrier-borne fighter jets took off and flew over the formation.

The combat capability of a dual-carrier group is not just the sum of two carrier groups, according to Chinese military expert Song Zhongping.

The two carriers can complement each other's strengths and consolidate their advantages, Song told the Global Times on Thursday. He noted that the Liaoning and the Shandong may have different numbers of aircraft carried, different escorting vessels, and thus distinct capabilities for air defense, anti-submarine warfare, and anti-ship operations.

Wang Ya'nan, chief editor of Beijing-based Aerospace Knowledge magazine, told the Global Times on Thursday that a dual-carrier group can undertake more varied and complex missions. For example, the two carriers can utilize shared escort vessels for defense and reconnaissance, allowing for task specialization, while dividing the work - one carrier responsible for surface attack and the other responsible for seizure of air superiority and air defense.

This level of operational complexity demands higher standards. The first dual-carrier drill is just a beginning, more dual-carrier exercises are expected in the future, Wang believed. He noted that other large warships such as amphibious assault ships could also join the group.

The aircraft carriers Liaoning and Shandong of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy hold their first dual-carrier formation exercise in the South China Sea in October 2024. Photo: Xinhua News Agency

The PLA Navy's capability to form a dual-carrier group will contribute to China's maritime defense and the protection of its sovereignty, security and development interests, Wang said.

The PLA Navy currently operates the Liaoning and the Shandong as its two active aircraft carriers. China's third carrier, the Fujian, was launched on June 17, 2022. The electromagnetic catapults-equipped carrier began its sea trials on May 1, 2024.